The day Beauty applied for planning approval (II)

THE *Court of Public Opinion* resumed sitting as *Madam Memory* recalled neighbourhoods with low fences, flowering hedges, gardens, playgrounds and safe pathways.

“What happened?” *Justice Common Sense* asked.

“My Lord, progress arrived without manners.”

Old houses gave way to overcrowded apartments. Gardens disappeared. Trees were cut down. Walkways became parking lots, while roads, drains, sewage and water systems remained unchanged.

*Mr. Maintenance* testified:

“They invite me for commissioning ceremonies but rarely provide a budget afterwards. Beauty and I are close relatives. Wherever I am absent, she eventually leaves.”

*Citizen Everybody* blamed government—until the court reminded him that citizens also dump refuse, occupy walkways, pave gardens and build beyond approvals.

In his judgment, *Justice Common Sense* found government, planners, developers, advertisers, property owners and citizens jointly responsible for uglifying the city.

*Madam Beauty’s* application was granted—with one condition:

*Beauty* must not be added after construction. She must be incorporated from the beginning.

 A beautiful community is planned, green, walkable, orderly and maintained.